Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-07-21
JEALOUSY.

| was engaged to Robert and was
| jealous. Kathleen and he were great
friends, and she was very beautiful.
We were seated in the garden, one
afternoon in the early autumn, Rob
ert, Kathleen, and |. She was look
ing unusually handsome in a dress of
soft India null. My lover had Just
paid her a well-merited compliment,
for which she was about to make a
gracious reply, when Aunt Martha
came to us.
Robert, " she said, placing her hand
| fondly on his shoulder as she spoke,
''will you gather some grapes for
me? l find that some of the punches
hang too high. The girls will 90 with
| you and hold the basket"
He arose to comply with her re-
quest. Kathleen was at his side in a
moment, while refused TO join them
feigning q severe headache.
l cannot tell you what tempted me
to follow them; it must have been
some evil genius. Slowly l followed
down the pathway, taking every pre-
caution, however, not to be observed
Seated upon little rustic bench,
could see every movement of MY lover
and Kathleen.
How lovely she looked standing in
the orchard, the sunlight falling
athwart the lovely upturned face. on
which smile rested! Never was seen
fairer vision! Her sleeves of soft
texture falling back showed the shape
ly, outstretched arm.
Sometimes a peal of merry laugh
ter would fall upon my ear. They did
not miss me-nOt even Robert; he
was content with Kathleen.
The basket was full to Overlooking,
and still they fingered. One bunch of
luscious grapes, the last gathered, was
in Roberts hand. He stopped to place
it with the others, when their eyes met,
their hands touched. Was l dream
ing? Alas, no! | saw him stoop and
kiss her fondly.
| waited no longer. With cry of
pain turned and fled to the seclusion
the troubles of my heart, with only
God to hear me.
| went away quite unexpectedly. [
was homesck, | told Aunt Martha.
| left II letter for Robert, giving him
no explanation OF my conduct, simply
telling him it was better that we should
part. | was a proud girl, and would
not stoop to acknowledge a rival
heard nothing from him for several
years.
"Going to service, Miss Kenwood?"
1t was my neighbor who asked the
question, Marcia Hall, dear little
girl, with the utmost faith in mankind
in general. [ smiled family as |
caught sight of the new bonnet with
its dainty ribbons; evidently gotten up
fox the new curate.
Young and foolish" thought /.
'sWait until she is six-and-twen ty,
and III wager she'll not buy bonnet
for all the new curates in town"
Slowly we walked to church ON that
bright sabbath morning, Marcia chat
ting gayly, and I, dressed in the plain
est of dresses, walking silently beside
her.
They were singing as we entered,
yet / scarcely heard them, feeling
rather embarrassed at coming late to
be gazed at by the entire congrega-
ton.
I sank YEARLY among the soft cush-
ions, gladly taking refuge behind a
huge palm-leaf fan kindly proffered
by portly old gentleman beside me.
Now a hush, a slight futter among
the congregation, a rustic of garments,
with now and then sudden whisper
as the pulpit was rolled close to the
chancel and the new curate as
cended.
Hes just lovelyr whispered Mar
cha, pulling softly at my sleeve. DO
look at him, Miss Kenwood."
kept my eyes downcast. If every
woman in the congregation cast glanc
es of admiration, was determined to
do otherwise.
Gam l my brothers keeper" was
the text Clear and distinct came the
words of the speaker. The first words
had caused my heart to beat wildly.
How like that voice of long-ago-that
rich, soft voice that had pleaded for
my love! | listened like one III a
dream until | raised my eyes to see
before me-Robert Preston.
Yes, Robert Preston. Changed, to
be sure-not the bright, boyish faca of
long ago. There were lines of care
and suffering on it now, while the dark
hair was streaked with silver.
At last the sermon was over ]
could hear the whispered comments of
the worshipers on the eloquence OF the
new curate. The. singers were chant